If you love Monsteras as much as we do, then you’re going to adore the Half Moon Monstera!
This plant is a variation of the traditional Monstera, and its leaves are truly unique, meaning that it will absolutely be a show stopper in any home.
Keep reading to find out more about this fascinating plant!
Table of Contents
What is a half moon Monstera?
The half moon Monstera plant is a variegation of the Monstera Deliciosa, and it gets its name from its stunning leaves. The leaves of the Half Moon Monstera are divided into two parts, each with a distinct color. One side of the leaf is a traditional green while the other is white.
These colors can be cleanly divided (much more so than most variegated Monstera) or marked with marbling, spots, and streaks of the two tones, meaning you’ll get more green on this one than you would with, say, an albino Monstera.
The patterns are due to a mutation in the plant’s DNA which occurs on occasion and is quite rare. This mutation is unpredictable, so you may notice a change in the patterning of the leaves as the plant grows.
The more white that is present on the leaves, the more sensitive the plant will be overall. This means that when it comes to overexposure to light and drought conditions, the white sections will be the first to show signs of distress.
This is because the plant isn’t as able to absorb chlorophyll in these areas, and as a result, the leaves may not be able to take in as much energy from the sun. As such, you may notice this Monstera having light needs that differ from other types.
The best way to care for your half moon Monstera is to give it bright, indirect light and to water it when the top inch of soil is dry. You can also fertilize them every month or two during its growing seasons to help the plant thrive.
How do you get a half-moon in Monstera?
A half-moon in Monstera can only be achieved through propagation. This means that you’ll need to take a cutting of an existing plant and grow it into its own. To do this, you’ll want to cut a stem that has at least two leaves on it near the node (this is where the leaf meets the stem).
You can then grow this Monstera cutting in water or moist soil and wait for it to develop roots. Once the plant has developed roots, you can then transfer it to a pot of its own and care for it as you would any other Monstera plant.
It’s important that you cut the stem at the node because this is where the plant’s auxins (a type of hormone) are produced. These hormones are responsible for the cell growth in the plant, and so propagating Monstera without a node means that the cutting would not be able to develop properly.
Since the genetic mutation that leads to the whitening of the leaves is unpredictable, it isn’t a reliable method to use seeds for propagation. This is because the plants that grow from these seeds are unlikely to have the same striking variegation as the parent plant.
Cuttings are really the only way to guarantee that you’ll get a plant with the same beautiful leaves like the one you started with. You will want to make sure that you get a cutting that has both green and white on the leaf, as this will ensure that the plant has a good chance of developing into a beautiful Half Moon Monstera.
Where to find a half moon Monstera for sale
In order to get a half moon Monstera, you will need to purchase a stem cutting or a full variegated Monstera plant. You can find these for sale online from a variety of retailers such as Etsy and major plant nurseries. You can also find them on local classifieds websites like Craigslist and OfferUp.
When looking for a half moon Monstera for sale, it’s important that you do your research to find a reputable seller. This is because there are many scams out there, and you don’t want to end up with a plant that isn’t what you were expecting.
Take note: If anyone is selling Monstera seeds and promising that they will grow into a variegated or half moon plant, they are likely not being truthful. The only way to get a half moon Monstera is through purchasing an existing plant or propagating a cutting from one.
The price for a half moon Monstera will vary depending on the size and variegation of the plant. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $2,000 for a plant, with the higher prices being for larger or more vibrantly colored plants.
Do half moon Monstera revert?
Yes, a half moon Monstera can revert to growing completely green leaves. This is because sectorial chimera, the type of mutation that causes the variegation in the leaves, is unstable and can change over time. This may look like the plant is losing its variegation, but it’s actually just reverting back to its original genetic state.
There are a few things that can trigger this process, such as stress, damage to the leaves, or changes in temperature. However, it’s important to note that not all plants will revert and some may even retain their variegation for many years.
If you love the appearance of variegated plants but don’t want to deal with the possibility of them reverting, there are a few other options out there. Variegated cultivars of other plant species such as Begonia, Ficus, and Calathea are much more stable and unlikely to revert over time.
How to prevent half moon Monstera reverting
The best thing you can do to prevent your half moon Monstera from reverting is to make sure that the plant is getting enough light. Variegated plants need more light than their green counterparts, so if your plant is in a low-light area, it may be more likely to revert.
Just make sure it isn’t direct light, since this plant does not do well in full sun.
Another thing you can do is avoid stress on the plant. This means not letting it dry out, not overwatering your Monstera, and not subjecting it to drastic changes in temperature. Also, be careful when handling the leaves, as they are delicate and can easily be damaged.
It’s also important to fertilize your plant regularly. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your Monstera once a month during the growing season and every other month during the winter. This will help ensure that your plant is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and prevent it from reverting.
Best fertilizer for Monsteras
Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer
A great fertilizer with the perfect balance for your Monstera. Simply dissolve in water and feed your plant to watch it thrive.
How to propagate a half moon Monstera
If you want to propagate your own half moon Monstera, it’s actually pretty simple. All you need is a cutting from a mature plant that is taken right above a leaf node. Make sure that the leaf has the half moon variegation present to ensure that your new plant will have it as well.
To start propagating your Monstera, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors and make a clean cut at an angle. Once you have your cutting, you can either place it in water or pot it directly into the soil. I’ve found that Monsteras root pretty easily, so the method you choose is up to you.
If you’re potting your cutting, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and place the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light. Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry and be patient – it can take several weeks or even months for your new plant to grow roots and start producing new leaves.
And that’s it! With a little bit of time and care, you can easily propagate your own half moon Monstera plant.